Wearable pull-up equipment

ABSTRACT

A wearable exercise device includes an adjustable-length strap having handles at each end. When not in use, the opposite ends can be joined to each other to facilitate securing the device to the user&#39;s body. In use, the strap is adjusted to an appropriate length and one end of the device is thrown over a horizontal support, such as a tree limb. The user can then grip both handles to perform exercises, such as pull-ups. After exercising, the user release one of the handles and uses the other handle to pull the device back over the horizontal support, freeing it.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fitness equipment and in particular to portable fitness equipment for pull-ups

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Obstacle racing is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Competitors must overcome physical challenges, such as scaling walls, crawling through mud under barbed wire, crossing water barriers, and carrying heavy objects. The sport requires strength, skill, and stamina, as well as speed. Athletes prepare for obstacle races through extensive training.

Races are typically outdoors and may cover long distances. Fixed exercise equipment in gyms cannot adequately simulate the challenges that are found over a long distance outdoor race.

Grip strength is particular important in overcoming obstacles. One simple method of improving grip strength is to use the grip to support the athlete's weight, for example, while performing pull-ups. Various rings and bars are found in gyms and can be used for such exercises.

One portable system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,896 to Hetrick for “Exercise Device Including Adjustable, Inelastic Straps.” The device of Hetrick includes an inelastic adjustable length member with two arms and a grip at both ends, and a centrally located anchor that provides for a distribution of the length between the arms. The central anchor includes an attachment portion for fixing the device to a structure, such as a door frame, and a loop portion through which the inelastic adjustable length member extends.

Another device is described in Australian Patent Application 2011247826 of Dalebout et. al for “Inelastic Strap Based Exercise Apparatus.” Like the device of Hetrick, the device of Dalebout includes an anchor for anchoring the device between a door and a door frame, and a strap with handles for exercising.

While the devices of Hetrick and Dalebout are portable, the bases are designed to be attached within a building, and so the devices are not suitable for being carried into the field during training.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a portable exercise device that can be used in the field.

A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a wearable exercise device, including an adjustable-length strap having handles at each end. When not in use, the opposite ends can be joined to each other to facilitate securing the device to the user's body. In use, the strap is adjusted to an appropriate length and one end of the device is thrown over a horizontal support, such as a tree limb. The user can then grip both handles to perform exercises, such as pull-ups. After exercising, the user release one of the handles and uses the other handle to pull the device back over the horizontal support, freeing it.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more thorough understanding of the present invention, and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a wearable exercise device.

FIG. 2 shows the handles of the wearable exercise device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the strap adjustment device the wearable exercise device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows an optional retaining device of the wearable exercise device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows the wearable exercise device of FIG. 1 in use.

FIG. 6A is the first part of a flow chart showing a method of using the wearable device of FIG. 1. FIG. 6B is the second part of the flow chart.

FIG. 7A shows the wearable exercise device of FIG. 1 supported on a tree limb, with the handles oriented horizontally. FIG. 7B shows a user using the device of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A shows the wearable exercise device of FIG. 1 supported on a tree limb, with the handles oriented vertically. FIG. 8B shows a user using the device of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 shows a user using the wearable exercise device of FIG. 1 for inclined pull-ups.

FIG. 10 shows the wearable exercise device of FIG. 1 worn by a user.

FIG. 11 shows the wearable exercise device of FIG. 1 worn by a user with the handles positioned at the back of the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention provide a method and apparatus for exercising. Unlike the devices of Hetrick and Dalebout which use anchors, preferred embodiments of the invention lack an anchor. The device is therefore free to slide over a horizontal support which supports the device during use. Lacking an anchor provides increased flexibility in attaching the exercise device to any horizontal support, including supports in the field, that is, outside of buildings. Because the strap is adjustable in length, it can be used with horizontal supports at different heights and having different diameters, as well as by users of different heights.

Some embodiments include a loop of strap at each end, each loop supporting a handle. The handle at one end of the strap can be thrown over a horizontal support, such as a tree limb, and the length of the strap adjusted to the correct height so that an athlete can do pull-ups or other exercises by gripping the handles. When not in use, the device can be worn by the athlete. In some embodiments, the ends of the adjustable strap can be joined to each other to facilitate securing the device to the user's body. For example, the adjustable strap is wrapped around the athlete's body, and one handle is inserted through the loop that supports the other handle. Once inserted and rotated perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the loop, the handle will be retained in the loop when tension is applied by tightening the strap around the user's body. Alternatively, snaps or catches could be used to connect the opposite ends of the strap and secure it onto the user's body. “End” of the strap as used herein is not limited to the extreme end, but can mean near the end, such as closer to the end than to the middle. On the user's body, the belt can be adjusted so that the strap is sufficiently tight to prevent it from slipping from the athlete during activity. The device can be adjusted so that the handles are positioned at the athlete's back, so that the device does not interfere with other course activities, such as running, climbing, and crawling.

FIG. 1 shows a portable, wearable exercise device 100 for doing pull-ups. Wearable exercise device 100 comprises a strap 102 having a length adjustment device 110. At a first end of the strap 102 is a handle 104A sewn into a loop 106A formed by inserting the strap 102 through the hollow handle 104A and sewing the end of the strap to a point 108A away from the end of the strap. At the other end of the strap, a hollow handle 104B sewn into a loop 106A that is connected through a strap adjustment device 110 to strap 102. For example, the adjustment device 110 can be a clamp buckle, a slide buckle, a slide, or other known strap adjustment device. A clamp buckle includes spring-loaded teeth or edge that prevents the strap from backing up after passing through the adjustment device unless the spring-loaded teeth or edge are manually disengaged. A slide has multiple openings through which the strap can slide. In one embodiment, the slide has three openings. On one side end, a strap can be inserted through an opening, folded back onto itself, and sewn or otherwise bonded to itself, trapping the slide. On the other side of the slide, a strap is inserted through a center opening and then folded back and inserted through an outer opening. To adjust the length of device 100, additional length of strap is inserted through the slide to shorten the strap available before the slide. In some embodiments, the attachment of loop 106B to strap 102 is separate from the device for adjusting the length of strap 102.

FIG. 2 shows the handles 104A and 104B and loops 106A and 106B of the wearable exercise device of FIG. 1. Handles 104A and 104B are preferably hollow tubes, such as plastic or metal pipes, to allow strap 102 to be inserted through the handles. Alternatively, other types of handles could be used and fasteners could be used to attach the strap to the handles. Using hollow handles simplifies construction and facilitates joining the ends together for securing the device to the user's body. Hollow tube handles also facilitate changing orientation of the handle between horizontally oriented and vertically oriented, which varies the muscles used in the exercise.

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a clamp buckle used as the strap adjustment device 110 of the wearable exercise device of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 shows an optional retaining device 402 of the wearable exercise device of FIG. 1. Retaining device 402 keeps the different portions of the strap together and makes the device 100 easier to handle. FIG. 5 is a schematic showing device 100 supported by a tree branch 502 while an athlete 504 uses the device to do pull-ups.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method of using exercise device of FIG. 1. In step 602, a horizontal support, such as a tree branch, is located. In step 604, the length of strap 102 is adjusted using adjustment device 110 so that the handles will be positioned at the appropriate height for the exercise to be performed, such as just above the athlete's raised hands for vertical pull-ups or lower for inclined pull-ups. In step 606, one end of device 100 is thrown around the horizontal support. If it is determined in decision block 608 that the height of the handles is appropriate for the exercise to be performed, then in step 610, the athlete grasps the handles and performs the exercise and the process continues in FIG. 6B. The exercise device 100 is remains stationary over the horizontal support without an anchor because the user's weight is balanced between the two handles, and friction between the strap and the horizontal support prevents sliding of the device during slight weight imbalances.

If it is determined in decision block 608 that the strap adjustment in step 604 did not result in the handles being at the appropriate height for the exercise, then the exercise device is pulled down from the horizontal support in step 612 and the strap length is adjusted again in step 604. The handles can be oriented either horizontally or vertically for pull-ups. FIG. 7A shows the exercise device 100 suspended from a tree branch as the horizontal support, with the handles oriented horizontally. \FIG. 7B shows an athlete using the exercise device suspended from the tree branch as shown in FIG. 7A. FIG. 8A shows the exercise device 100 suspended from a tree branch as the horizontal support, with the handles oriented vertically, and FIG. 8B shows an athlete using the exercise device suspended from the tree branch as shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 9 shows the exercise device suspended from a tree branch, with the handles positioned at a lower height for inclined pull-ups.

After exercising, the device 100 is pulled down from the support in step 620. In step 622, the device is wrapped several times around the athlete as shown in FIG. 10. In step 624, the device is secured to the user's body. In one embodiment, the device is secured by inserting handle 104B into loop 106A and then pulling handle 104B so that it is caught in loop 106A. In other embodiments, there may be a snap or latch or other device to secure the device and allow it to be tightened around the user's body. This fastens the device 100 onto the athlete's body like a belt. In step 626, the strap 102 is tightened using adjustment 110 device so that it will remain fixed around the athlete's body. In optional step 627, the user can mark an adjustment spot with a piece of tape, white paint pen or marker, etc. to allow for rapid readjustment of the strap length after pulling it off the limb, so that in some cases it can be put back on as a belt in and not have to adjust it once it's on. In step 628, the device 100 is shifted on the athlete's body so that the handles are positioned around the back of the athlete as shown in FIG. 11. In step 630, the athlete proceeds with the next part of the obstacle source, run, or other activity, wearing the device like a belt.

If the athlete decides to do additional pull-ups in step 632, the strap 102 is loosened, the handle 104B is removed from the loop 106A, and the athlete repeats the process from step 602 in FIG. 6A.

A preferred method or apparatus of the present invention has many novel aspects, and because the invention can be embodied in different methods or apparatuses for different purposes, not every aspect need be present in every embodiment. Moreover, many of the aspects of the described embodiments may be separately patentable. The invention has broad applicability and can provide many benefits as described and shown in the examples above. The embodiments will vary greatly depending upon the specific application, and not every embodiment will provide all of the benefits and meet all of the objectives that are achievable by the invention.

In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . .” To the extent that any term is not specially defined in this specification, the intent is that the term is to be given its plain and ordinary meaning. The accompanying drawings are intended to aid in understanding the present invention and, unless otherwise indicated, are not drawn to scale. Particle beam systems suitable for carrying out the present invention are commercially available, for example, from FEI Company, the assignee of the present application.

The various features described herein may be used in any functional combination or sub-combination, and not merely those combinations described in the embodiments herein. As such, this disclosure should be interpreted as providing written description of any such combination or sub-combination.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps. 

We claim as follows:
 1. A wearable exercise apparatus, comprising: a strap; a first handle attached to a first loop at the first end of the strap first; a second handle attached to a second loop; and a strap length adjuster attached to the second loop and to the second end of the strap.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the wearable exercise apparatus lacks an anchor for attaching a fixed point of the wearable exercise apparatus to a support structure while being used for exercising.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the first loop and the second loop have different lengths.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the strap length adjuster comprises a clamp buckle or a slide buckle.
 5. A method of using exercise equipment, comprising: wrapping a strap of an exercise device around a user's body, the exercise device having handles at opposite ends of the strap; securing the strap around the user's body; removing the strap from the user's body; adjusting the strap length for performing pull-ups; throwing one of the handles over a horizontally extending support; grasping the handles and performing pull-ups; removing the strap from the horizontally extending support; wrapping a strap having handles around a user's body; and securing the strap around the user's body.
 6. The method of claim 5 in which securing the strap around the user's body including joining the opposite ends of the strap.
 7. The method of claim 6 in which each handle is secured in a strap loop and in which securing the strap around the user's body comprises inserting one handle into the strap loop securing the opposite handle.
 8. The method of claim 5 further comprising providing at least one mark on the strap to indicate a strap length for use when wearing the device.
 9. The method of claim 5 further comprising after throwing one of the handles over a horizontally extending support, sliding the strap over the horizontal support so that the handles are at the same height before grasping the handles and performing pull-ups.
 10. A wearable exercise apparatus, comprising: a strap having a first end and a second end; a first handle attached to the first end of the strap first; a second handle attached to the second end of the strap; and a strap length adjuster, the wearable exercise device lacking an anchor for fixing a portion of the wearable exercise at a stationary position relative to the structure on which the wearable exercise apparatus is supported.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 in which the strap length adjuster comprises a clamp buckle or a slide buckle. 